A GENERATION of Aussie kids is facing a greater chance of broken bones as children turn their back on dairy foods.

More than two out of three children between nine and 16 are not eating enough dairy foods, according to new research from the CSIRO.

Teenage girls are missing out the most, with a study finding 95 per cent aged 14-16 failing to meet the dairy targets set out in the Federal Government’s Australian Dietary Guidelines.

A new CSIRO study of almost 4500 children commissioned by Dairy Australia found their intake of dairy decreased food as a percentage of their diet as they got older, despite their recommended intake increasing as they aged.

“We were surprised to see such a large proportion of children under-consuming dairy food or alternatives,” CSIRO lead researcher Malcolm Riley said.

“This increasing shortfall might be because parents and children do not actually realise how much dairy they should be having. Milk poured over a bowl of cereal does not necessarily make up a full serve from the dairy food group.”

Dr Portolesi said toddlers needed at least 1.5 serves of dairy a day, which grows to 3.5 serves for teenagers.

“Parents may realise their children need to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables but they may not realise the full health benefits linked to dairy,” Dr Portolesi said.

“Having enough milk, cheese and yoghurt provides children with nutrients and energy for active play, like rollerblading, riding their bikes and trampolining, and helps set them up for strong bones and overall health later in life.

“Mums and dads are role models for their children in all areas of life, and nutrition is no exception.”

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